With key returners - and impressive newcomers - University is primed to make a run at a second straight state title. Leading the way for the Suns are players (counterclockwise from the left) Brandon Boyce, Quincy Wilson, Sam Bruce, Richard Yeargin, Sean White, Emmanuel Soto and Jordan Scarlett.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Does South Florida have room for another football powerhouse?
Apparently so.
Under Roger Harriott's guidance,
University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) has emerged as a bona fide local, state and national power. With key returners - and impressive newcomers - in the fold for 2013, the Suns will be strong again this fall.
New quarterback
Sean White, a transfer from Chaminade-Madonna, has looked outstanding this summer and should fill in smoothly for Mike White, who tossed for 2,201 yards last year in leading the team's offense.
See the entire Preseason Xcellent 25Junior running back
Jordan Scarlett, the No. 30 recruit in the
Class of 2015 Top247, is back. He rushed for 1,357 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago.
Running back Jordan Scarlett
Photo by Stuart Browning
, a sophomore receiver, is an even more dynamic offensive weapon and looks like one the country's top recruits for the Class of 2016. He only had 274 receiving yards as a freshman, but after a huge spring and summer, those numbers could possibly quadruple.
Emmanuel Soto and
Lajuan Hunt will provide White with additional weapons at receiver.
On the defensive side of the ball, University allowed 112 points last fall and should be solid once again.
Quincy Wilson and junior
Rashard Causey are both back in the secondary. Returning starter
Andrew Korakakos is back at linebacker, joined by newcomer
Richard Yeargin, who is mulling offers from dozens of schools.
Rutgers commit
Brandon Russell will line up at defensive tackle for the Suns, but the rest of the defensive line will be newcomers.
Now in Class 4A, University will have to get through Miami powerhouse Booker T. Washington in addition to a loaded regular season schedule that includes Miami Central, Cypress Bay and Manatee.
See the entire University photo gallery
Local look: "Love the fire that University School is bringing back with them this season after winning their first state championship. The biggest challenges facing them is playing out a tough schedule and being in Class 4A, which became a stronger classification during reclassification. Facing the possibility having to face Booker T. Washington in the playoffs will require University School to work even harder for a repeat state championship to happen."
- Josh Wilson, Publisher, FloridaHSFootball.com
